America has lost its voice and a piece of its soul.
With apologies to Don Maclean, the music died at 7:30 AM on January 19, 2008.
John Stewart (September 5, 1939 – January 19, 2008) was an American songwriter and singer, best known for being a member of the Kingston Trio (1961–1967). He was much more than that.
He wrote about America from the viewpoint of the “wingless angels,” those who drove the trucks and did the jobs that kept the country alive.
I will say that I did not know John Stewart except through his songs and brief encounters. In 1971 (my oh my how the time does fly), I (and others) talked with him when he came to Santa Monica College to talk about the songwriting experience. Still, I went to some of his concerts and shook his hand every chance I got. I’m not a fully-fledged “Bloodliner” (named after his California Bloodlines album), but I have about half of his albums and named my golden retriever “Stewart” as a tribute.
According to Tom DeLisle on Chillywinds.com, “He recorded over 45 solo albums following his seven years in the Kingston Trio, 1961-67” and in a career that spanned over fifty years he “wrote more than 600 songs.”
John told the story of how The Monkees wanted to record a song he wrote in 1968 before leaving the Kingston Trio. The Monkees wanted to record Daydream Believer. But, the song had a problem—a word. See if you can find it.
As a white knight on his steed
But now you know how funky I can be
And our good times start and end
Without dollar one to spend
But how much, baby, do we really need
The Monkees wanted to substitute “happy” for “funky.” John didn’t know if he wanted to do that; he’d written “funky” in the lyrics after all. As we know, he finally allowed “happy” to be used instead. Daydream Believer is still being played today and in his words after getting his first royalty check, “happy’s working real good.”
For more about John Stewart:
Appleseed Recordings
John Stewart’s Lyrics Database at CaliforniaBloodlines.com
Chilly Winds
Clack’s Cellar
Associated Press Obituary
Chicago Tribune Obituary
CNN’s Obituary
Or better still, play one of his songs. That’s what I’m doing. Every single one I have. Here’s John’s hit, Gold.
Footnote (08/10/08):
After posting this in January I went looking for more music for my library. Years ago I had listened to a live recording of the Kingston Trio featuring John. The double album was called Once Upon a Time. I finally found it at the Kingston Trio Store. You can order it and other Trio songs here.
Nullius in Verba 
“Daydream Believer” is one of the great pop songs of all time. And “happy” was a happy suggestion. Even a genius like John Steward can use some outside help every once in a while. And it may not be a popular opinion, but I think The Monkees were one of the fine pop bands of the 60’s. Mickey Dolenz was a terrific singer and the scope of the material that band covered was remarkable. Their beginnings were admittedly manufactured, but the product was a solid one, inspired at times.
It is sad when we lose someone like John Stewart. But it is a great thing to know such people exist still and always have. We need to recognize what a blessing that is and celebrate it and them.
I loved watching their TV show. Who cared that they could not play the instruments (when they started)? They were funny and hip. And, if I remember right, all the girls thought Michael Nesbith was sooo cute.
This about Daydream Believer and the Monkees from the obituary in the AP:
“There are certain songs that you just go in humming. It was one of those,” Dolenz said of “Daydream Believer,” which also was Stewart’s best-known recording. Although he sang background to Davy Jones’ lead on the Monkees’ version, Dolenz performs the song himself at his solo shows.
“To this day it is one of the biggest songs that I do in concert,” he said.
‘Happy’ is workin’ real good.
Hi Timber, I had no idea about the happy/funky history of one of my all time favorite songs! I loved Daydream Believer and I confess to loving The Monkees. I had crushes on all four guys growing up but my heart really belonged to Davy Jones. Please em me at fionamanning@aol.com so I can respond to your last comment on my blog!!
I had no idea you were a John Stewart fan, Fiona.